Mastering Prompt Engineering with ChatGPT: A Comprehensive Expert Guide

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, automating tasks, and enhancing creativity. Among the various AI tools, ChatGPT stands out as a revolutionary model capable of generating human-like text. However, to truly harness the power of ChatGPT, mastering prompt engineering is crucial. This process involves crafting the right prompts to guide the AI and get the best results. In this expert guide, we will explore what master prompts are, how prompt engineering works, and how you can master AI prompts to elevate your work, whether you’re a developer, content creator, or marketer.

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Table of Contents

1. What is a Master Prompt in ChatGPT?
2. Master Prompt Example: A Practical Guide
3. Understanding Prompt Engineering
4. How to Master Prompt Engineering?
5. How to Master AI Prompts Effectively
6. Different Types of Prompt Engineering
7. What is LLM in Prompt Engineering?
8. ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers
9. Andrew Ng’s Coursera Course on Prompt Engineering
10. Free Courses on Prompt Engineering with Certification
11. Frequently Asked Questions
12. Key Takeaways
13. Final Thoughts
14. Resources 

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1. What is a Master Prompt in ChatGPT?

A master prompt is a carefully crafted instruction that directs the AI to generate the type of response you need. Think of it as the starting point that shapes the output of the AI model. The prompt can be as simple as asking a question or as complex as specifying the tone, style, and structure of an article.

For example, a master prompt could be:
"Write a 500-word SEO-optimised article about the environmental benefits of electric cars, focusing on CO2 reduction and energy efficiency."

The key here is the clarity of the instructions—this ensures the AI knows what to focus on and what parameters to follow when generating content.

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2. Master Prompt Example: A Practical Guide

Let’s consider a master prompt example to better understand how it functions in practice:

Master Prompt Example 1:
"Create a blog post of 800 words on the rise of renewable energy sources in the UK. Discuss solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, their impact on local economies, and future prospects for 2025."

This master prompt gives clear instructions about:

• Topic: Renewable energy in the UK
• Focus Areas: Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power
• Tone/Style: Informative and forward-looking
• Word Count: 800 words

By being specific about these aspects, the AI can generate content that fits your exact needs.

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3. Understanding Prompt Engineering

Prompt engineering is the practice of designing the prompts you give to AI models, such as ChatGPT, to achieve the best possible output. It’s a critical skill that helps you optimise AI responses for various tasks, from content generation to customer support.

When crafting prompts, the goal is to guide the AI to respond in a way that is accurate, relevant, and efficient. This involves:

• Providing clear, unambiguous instructions
• Setting appropriate parameters (like tone, style, and length)
• Using specific keywords to ensure focused output

By mastering prompt engineering, you can get the AI to work for you with precision, whether you're generating a blog post, solving a technical issue, or even writing code.

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4. How to Master Prompt Engineering?

Mastering prompt engineering is an ongoing learning process. Here’s how you can refine your skills:

1. Understand the AI Model's Limitations

Before creating prompts, you must understand the AI’s capabilities and limitations. While ChatGPT is incredibly advanced, it still has limitations in complex reasoning or very niche topics. Understanding these limits will help you create more effective prompts.

2. Be Clear and Concise

The clearer and more specific your prompt, the better the output. Instead of asking, “Write about renewable energy,” try:
"Write a 600-word article discussing the benefits of solar and wind energy, with statistics on their contribution to the UK’s energy supply in 2023."

The more specific you are, the more the AI will align with your requirements.

3. Use Iteration to Refine Results

Don’t expect perfection on the first try. AI-generated content can often be refined. After receiving the AI’s first output, refine your prompt and provide additional feedback to improve the results.

4. Incorporate Examples

Including examples in your prompts can guide the AI in producing more accurate responses. For example, if you need a product description, include one or two examples for reference. This helps the AI understand the desired style, tone, and format.

5. Leverage Advanced Prompting Techniques

Once you’ve mastered basic prompting, experiment with advanced techniques, such as zero-shot, one-shot, and few-shot prompting. These techniques can enhance the quality of the generated content.

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5. How to Master AI Prompts Effectively?

To effectively master AI prompts, consider the following approaches:

• Understand Your Objective: Always be clear about the goal of your prompt. Whether you want to generate content, code, or troubleshoot an issue, knowing the end result helps you design more precise instructions.

• Use Structured Instructions: If you require the AI to provide a list, outline, or multi-step process, ensure your prompt reflects that structure.

• Refine Through Testing: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different phrasings of your prompt. Over time, you’ll identify which formulations work best for specific tasks.

• Request for Multiple Variations: If you’re unsure about which direction to take, ask the AI to provide several versions of the same content and choose the one that aligns with your vision.

• Provide Feedback: Use feedback to guide the AI. If a response doesn’t meet your expectations, clarify the prompt further and refine it for improved output.

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6. Different Types of Prompt Engineering

There are various types of prompt engineering, each designed to suit different tasks:

1. Zero-shot Prompting

In zero-shot prompting, you provide the AI with a prompt without giving it any examples. It relies on its training data to produce a response. This type is ideal for more general inquiries.

2. One-shot Prompting

One-shot prompting involves providing a single example to the AI. This is useful for tasks that require the model to understand a specific pattern or format.

3. Few-shot Prompting

Few-shot prompting involves providing multiple examples. This technique is ideal for tasks that require a more refined understanding of a subject or pattern.

4. Chain-of-thought Prompting

Chain-of-thought prompting breaks down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This is useful for reasoning tasks, such as problem-solving or decision-making.

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7. What is LLM in Prompt Engineering?

LLM stands for Large Language Model, which refers to the AI architecture behind systems like ChatGPT. LLMs are trained on vast datasets and can generate high-quality text across various domains. In the context of prompt engineering, understanding how LLMs process and generate text helps in crafting prompts that make the most of the model’s capabilities.

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8. ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers

For developers, ChatGPT prompt engineering can be incredibly useful in automating tasks, generating code, and building intelligent applications. With the right prompts, developers can:

• Generate boilerplate code
• Assist in debugging and error handling
• Create documentation and comments for code
• Build intelligent chatbots
• Automate routine development tasks

By refining your prompt engineering skills, developers can unlock the full potential of AI for streamlining development processes.

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9. Andrew Ng’s Coursera Course on Prompt Engineering

Andrew Ng, a prominent AI expert, offers courses that can help you understand prompt engineering and AI in general. His Coursera course covers various aspects of AI, including prompt engineering techniques and their real-world applications. This is an excellent resource for those looking to dive deeper into the world of AI and natural language processing (NLP).

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10. Free Courses on Prompt Engineering with Certification

Several platforms offer free courses on prompt engineering that come with certificates upon completion. Here are some recommended resources:

• Coursera: Offers courses on AI and NLP, including the basics of prompt engineering.
• Udemy: Introduction to prompt engineering with practical tips.
• edX: Free courses on machine learning and NLP that include prompt engineering.

By completing these courses, you can gain valuable skills and even earn a certificate that enhances your professional credentials.

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11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is prompt engineering?
   Prompt engineering is the practice of crafting specific, clear instructions to guide AI models in generating the desired output.

2. How do I become proficient at prompt engineering?
   To become proficient, practice crafting clear prompts, experiment with variations, provide feedback, and continuously refine your skills.

3. Why is prompt engineering important for AI?
   Effective prompt engineering ensures that AI generates accurate, relevant, and high-quality responses, saving time and improving results.

4. Can prompt engineering be used for coding tasks?
   Yes, developers can use prompt engineering to automate code generation, create documentation, and troubleshoot errors.

5. What are some common mistakes in prompt engineering?
   Common mistakes include being too vague, not providing enough context, or asking for overly complex responses without breaking down the task.

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12. Key Takeaways

• Prompt engineering is crucial for getting optimal results from AI models like ChatGPT.
• Clear, concise, and specific prompts lead to better outcomes.
• There are different types of prompt engineering, including zero-shot, one-shot, and few-shot prompting.
• Developers can leverage prompt engineering to automate tasks and generate high-quality code.
• Continuous learning and experimentation are key to mastering prompt engineering.

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13. Final Thoughts

Mastering prompt engineering is a powerful skill for anyone working with AI, whether you're a developer, marketer, or content creator. With the right knowledge and techniques, you can use AI models like ChatGPT to streamline your work, automate tasks, and generate high-quality content. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can refine your prompting skills and unlock the full potential of AI. Keep experimenting, learning, and refining your techniques to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

14. Resources 

Here's an example of a complete and perfect master prompt to instruct ChatGPT to write a blog post:

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Master Prompt Example:

"Write a 1,200-word blog post about the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet, targeting health-conscious individuals interested in improving their lifestyle. The post should cover the following topics:

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce what a plant-based diet is, mentioning its rise in popularity due to health and environmental concerns.

2. Health Benefits: Discuss the health benefits of a plant-based diet, such as reduced risk of chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, etc.), weight management, and improved digestion.

3. Environmental Impact: Explain how plant-based diets contribute to reducing carbon footprints, preserving natural resources, and combating climate change.

4. Common Misconceptions: Address common myths about plant-based diets, like protein deficiency or limited food variety.

5. How to Transition: Offer practical tips on how to transition to a plant-based diet, such as easy swaps and meal prep ideas.

6. Conclusion: Summarise the key points and encourage readers to try adopting a plant-based diet for improved health and a better planet.*

Ensure the tone is conversational, approachable, and motivating. The post should include engaging subheadings, a call-to-action (CTA) at the end encouraging readers to explore plant-based recipes, and relevant facts or studies to support the benefits mentioned. The content should be well-researched, SEO-optimized with the keywords "benefits of a plant-based diet," and formatted for readability (short paragraphs, bullet points, etc.)."

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Key Features of This Master Prompt:

Clarity and Specificity: The prompt gives clear instructions on the word count, target audience, tone, and SEO considerations.

Structured Breakdown: The topic is broken down into subheadings for easy and organised content creation.

Engagement & SEO: The prompt mentions SEO optimisation and includes a call-to-action to engage readers.

Research-based: It requests facts and studies to support claims, ensuring the post is informative and credible.

This master prompt provides a clear framework for ChatGPT to generate a well-structured, engaging, and SEO-friendly blog post.

Here are some important Master Prompt Templates:

Below are master prompt templates for various types of writing, such as stories, poems, emails, and social media posts. These templates will help you structure your prompt and get the best output from AI for each type of content:

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1. Master Prompt Template for a Story: 

Prompt:

"Write a 1,000-word short story set in a fantasy world where magic exists, but only a select few are born with the ability to wield it. The protagonist, a young woman named Elena, has just discovered that she has magical powers, but she is uncertain about how to control them. The story should explore her journey of self-discovery, her struggles with mastering her powers, and the moral dilemmas she faces. There should be a twist in the end that challenges Elena’s understanding of magic. The tone should be mysterious and empowering, with vivid descriptions of the world. Include dialogue, character development, and an unexpected ending."

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2. Master Prompt Template for a Poem:

Prompt:

"Write a poem of 14 lines (a sonnet) about the theme of lost love. The poem should express deep emotion, using metaphors and vivid imagery. The tone should be melancholic but with a sense of hope at the end. Incorporate the seasons as metaphors for the stages of love, and use rhyme and rhythm to create a flowing, lyrical piece. The structure should follow a traditional Shakespearean sonnet format (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG)."

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3. Master Prompt Template for an Email:

Prompt:

"Write a professional email to a client, following up on a proposal you sent them a week ago. The email should be polite and courteous, thanking them for their time and reiterating the key points of the proposal. You should include a brief reminder of the deadline and offer to answer any questions they may have. Make sure the tone is friendly but formal, and end the email with a call to action, encouraging the client to confirm if they’d like to proceed. Use a subject line that invites attention but is professional."

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4. Master Prompt Template for a Social Media Post:

Prompt:

"Write a social media post for Instagram to promote a new eco-friendly product line from a sustainable brand. The post should be engaging and educational, highlighting the environmental benefits of the products. Use a friendly and informative tone, with a call to action that encourages followers to visit the website and check out the new collection. Include relevant hashtags (e.g., #EcoFriendly, #Sustainability, #GreenLiving), and suggest a unique hashtag for the brand’s campaign."

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5. Master Prompt Template for a Blog Post:

Prompt:

"Write a 1,500-word SEO-optimized blog post about the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace. The post should include the following sections:

Introduction: Briefly explain why mental health is crucial in professional settings.

Why Mental Health Matters: Discuss how mental health impacts productivity, relationships, and overall well-being.

Ways to Foster Mental Health in the Workplace: Offer practical tips for employers and employees to promote mental health.

Case Studies or Examples: Share real-life examples of companies that have successfully implemented mental health initiatives.

Conclusion: Summarize the key points and encourage businesses to take action for better employee well-being.*

The tone should be professional and empathetic, with a focus on educating the reader. Include keywords like "mental health in the workplace," "workplace wellness," and "employee well-being." Add a CTA at the end asking readers to comment or share their experiences."

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6. Master Prompt Template for an Advertisement Copy:

Prompt:

"Write a 150-word advertisement copy for a new fitness app targeted at beginners. The ad should emphasize the app’s user-friendly interface, personalised workout plans, and progress-tracking features. Use an enthusiastic and motivating tone, highlighting how the app can help individuals get started with their fitness journey. End the ad with a special discount offer for first-time users and a call to action to download the app today."

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7. Master Prompt Template for a Speech:

Prompt:

"Write a 5-minute speech for a conference on the future of technology and innovation. The speech should highlight the impact of artificial intelligence on various industries, the ethical challenges it presents, and the potential benefits for society. The tone should be insightful and inspiring, offering a balanced perspective on the topic. Include a few thought-provoking questions to engage the audience and wrap up with a call to action to embrace innovation responsibly."

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8. Master Prompt Template for an Advertisement Video Script:

Prompt:

"Write a 60-second script for an advertisement video promoting a new eco-friendly home cleaning product. The video should feature a busy family using the product in various home settings, demonstrating how effective and safe it is for both the family and the environment. The tone should be friendly, relatable, and informative. Include a problem (e.g., harsh chemicals in cleaning products) and how the eco-friendly product solves it. End with a call to action to visit the website for a discount on the first purchase."

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These master prompt templates provide the framework to guide the AI in generating content suited to your specific needs. You can modify these templates by adding more details or adjusting the tone and style depending on your requirements.

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Here are Master Prompt Templates for Coding that can be used to instruct AI to generate specific code for various tasks or projects:

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1. Master Prompt Template for a Web Page (HTML, CSS, JavaScript):

Prompt:

"Write the complete HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code for a responsive portfolio website. The website should have the following sections:

Home: A welcome section with a background image, a title (e.g., 'Welcome to My Portfolio'), and a button that leads to the About section.

About: A section with a brief introduction and a photo of the user.

Projects: A grid layout showing 4-6 projects, each with an image, project title, and a short description.

Contact: A contact form with fields for name, email, and a message box. Include a submit button that triggers an alert upon submission.

Footer: A simple footer with social media links and copyright information.

Ensure that the layout is fully responsive, adapting to all screen sizes, including mobile and tablet. Include basic CSS animations for transitions and button hover effects. Use vanilla JavaScript for the form validation and alert message upon submission."

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2. Master Prompt Template for an API (Python Flask):

Prompt:

"Write the Python code for a RESTful API using Flask. The API should have the following endpoints:

GET /items: Returns a list of all items in JSON format.

POST /items: Accepts data (name and description) to create a new item and returns the newly created item.

GET /items/{id}: Fetches an individual item by its ID.

PUT /items/{id}: Allows updating the details of an item.

DELETE /items/{id}: Deletes an item by its ID.

The API should store data in an in-memory list (no database required), handle errors gracefully, and use Flask’s built-in features to handle routes and request methods. Include proper JSON response formatting and error handling for missing or invalid data."

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3. Master Prompt Template for a Calculator (JavaScript):

Prompt:

"Write the JavaScript code for a simple calculator application with the following functionalities:

Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division: Four basic arithmetic operations.

Clear Button: Resets the calculator.

Decimal Support: Allows the user to enter decimal numbers.

Error Handling: Displays an error message if the user tries to divide by zero.

Ensure that the calculator has a clean and simple user interface built with HTML and styled with CSS. Use JavaScript to handle user input, perform calculations, and update the display dynamically. The design should be responsive, looking good on both mobile and desktop screens."

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4. Master Prompt Template for a Chatbot (Python - NLTK):

Prompt:

"Write the Python code for a simple chatbot using the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK). The chatbot should respond to user inputs with predefined answers. Include the following features:

Greeting: When the user greets the chatbot, it should respond with a greeting.

Farewell: When the user says goodbye, the chatbot should respond with a farewell message.

Simple FAQ: The chatbot should be able to answer simple questions like 'What is your name?' or 'How are you?'

Fallback Response: If the chatbot doesn't understand the user input, it should ask the user to rephrase their question or provide a default response.

The chatbot should use the NLTK library to tokenize the input and match it with predefined responses. The code should include basic NLP preprocessing and pattern matching to make the chatbot more interactive."

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5. Master Prompt Template for a To-Do List Application (React):

Prompt:

"Write the complete React code for a to-do list application with the following features:

Add Task: The user can enter a task and click a button to add it to the list.

Delete Task: Each task in the list should have a delete button to remove it.

Mark as Completed: The user should be able to mark a task as completed by clicking a checkbox next to the task.

Filter Tasks: There should be a filter option to view all tasks, only completed tasks, or only incomplete tasks.

Ensure the application uses state management with React’s useState hook and that it is fully functional. The design should be clean, and the layout should be responsive using CSS Grid or Flexbox. Include local storage functionality to persist the tasks even after the page reloads."

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6. Master Prompt Template for a Weather App (JavaScript + API):

Prompt:

"Write the complete JavaScript code for a weather application that uses a public API (such as OpenWeatherMap) to display the current weather. The app should include the following features:

Search Bar: The user can enter a city name to get the weather data.

Current Weather Information: Display the temperature, humidity, weather condition (e.g., sunny, rainy), and an icon representing the weather.

Error Handling: If the user enters an invalid city, show an error message stating that the city was not found.

Forecast: Optionally, provide a 5-day weather forecast below the current weather.

Ensure that the app is responsive, using CSS Grid or Flexbox for layout, and includes clean JavaScript for handling API requests and displaying weather data. Use asynchronous functions like fetch to retrieve data from the API."

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7. Master Prompt Template for a Login System (PHP + MySQL):

Prompt:

"Write the PHP code for a user login system that connects to a MySQL database. The system should include the following features:

User Registration: Allow users to register with a username, email, and password (hashed using password_hash).

User Login: Allow users to log in with their username and password (verify using password_verify).

Session Management: After a successful login, store user data in a session to keep the user logged in.

Error Handling: Display appropriate error messages for incorrect login credentials or missing form fields.

The PHP code should interact with a MySQL database to store user information. Ensure the system is secure, with proper validation and sanitation of inputs to prevent SQL injection. Include basic styling with CSS for the registration and login forms."

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8. Master Prompt Template for a Todo List API (Node.js + Express):

Prompt:

"Write the Node.js code for a RESTful API to manage a to-do list application. Use Express and store tasks in a MongoDB database. The API should have the following routes:

GET /todos: Fetch all to-dos from the database.

POST /todos: Add a new to-do to the database.

PUT /todos/:id: Update an existing to-do by its ID.

DELETE /todos/:id: Delete a to-do by its ID.

The API should support JSON request bodies and return JSON responses. Include error handling for invalid requests and database connection issues. The API should be simple, lightweight, and well-documented."

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These master prompt templates for coding offer clear and structured instructions for generating specific types of code. Each template includes relevant details like required features, technologies, and key functionalities, ensuring AI produces high-quality, functional code that meets your needs.

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Here’s an example Master Prompt for Web Tools Development:

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Master Prompt for Web Tools Development:

Prompt:

"Develop a fully functional, responsive, and user-friendly Currency Converter Tool for a website. The tool should support multiple currencies (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP, INR, and others) and perform real-time currency conversion based on the latest exchange rates. Use an external API (such as Open Exchange Rates or CurrencyLayer) to fetch the live exchange rates. The following features should be included:

1. Input Fields: Two input fields – one for the amount and another for the currency to convert from (selectable dropdown).

2. Currency Selection: A dropdown list for both the "From" and "To" currencies.

3. Conversion Button: A button that triggers the conversion when clicked.

4. Display Conversion Result: Display the converted value dynamically below the button after the user clicks it.

5. Error Handling: If the API fails or the input is invalid (non-numeric values), show a user-friendly error message.

6. Clear Button: A button to clear all inputs and reset the tool to its initial state.

7. History Feature: Save the last 5 conversions in local storage for easy access.

8. Styling: The design should be clean, modern, and visually appealing. Use CSS to ensure that the tool looks good on both desktop and mobile devices.

9. API Integration: Use JavaScript (AJAX or Fetch API) to integrate with the chosen currency exchange API and handle real-time data fetching.

Ensure that the code is lightweight, well-commented, SEO optimized for performance, and works seamlessly across all screen sizes and devices."

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Key Features to Include:

Multi-currency support with live exchange rates

Real-time conversion using an external API

Dynamic result display with user-friendly error handling

Local storage for saving recent conversions

Responsive, modern design for mobile and desktop users

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Technologies to Use:

Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (AJAX/Fetch API)

External API: Open Exchange Rates or CurrencyLayer

Optional: Local storage for saving conversion history

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This master prompt for web tools development provides clear, structured requirements for building a currency converter tool. By specifying key features, technologies, and design guidelines, this prompt ensures the web tool will be functional, user-friendly, and optimized for performance.

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Here is an example Master Prompt for Image Generation:

Master Prompt for Image Generation:

Prompt:

"Generate a high-quality, detailed image of a futuristic city skyline at sunset. The city should have towering skyscrapers with sleek, modern architecture, glowing neon lights, and flying cars in the sky. The background should feature a vibrant orange and purple sunset, casting long shadows over the city. The foreground should include a busy street with pedestrians walking, some wearing futuristic clothing, and others riding hoverboards. Include reflections on glass surfaces, like windows and water features, to add depth to the scene. The overall tone should be bright, with a mix of blue and pink hues from the neon lights and sunset. Make the image feel alive, dynamic, and full of energy, capturing the essence of a sci-fi, future metropolis."

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Key Elements to Include:

Futuristic city skyline with skyscrapers

Neon lighting, flying cars, and hoverboards

Vibrant sunset in the background with orange and purple tones

Reflections on glass surfaces and water features

Pedestrians in futuristic attire

Bright, dynamic, and energetic atmosphere

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This master prompt for image generation provides specific details and instructions, ensuring that the AI generates an image with the desired elements, style, and tone. The level of detail in the prompt allows the AI to understand the specific aesthetic you're aiming for, ensuring a high-quality and accurate result.